Haizaki searched around and found nothing else important, so he removed the hard drive from the room's computer. He would check its contents later when they returned.
Leaving the second floor, Haizaki continued inspecting the remaining rooms but found nothing significant, so he headed to the third floor. Hopefully, there would be Crystallization Virus Vaccine Type 1.
Officially, it was numbered "1." He had thought there would only be one, but in reality, Types 2, 3, 4, and even 5 were required. Whether Types 3, 4, and 5 existed, Haizaki didn't know.
He noticed two mutants in his line of sight and pulled the trigger. The two at the stairwell fell to the ground, shot.
"Rest in peace!"
A catastrophe for humanity. Had humanity in this world gone extinct? He didn't know.
But Haizaki knew he needed the research data. If no vaccine existed to solve the virus, then he would have to rely on his bioengineering knowledge to attempt to overcome it. D-level bioengineering wasn't enough—he would need to spend 1000 points to upgrade to C-level. If that still failed, then he would have to give up.
He and Yukino had nine months in the "Crystallization Mutation" world. Would they avoid infection? No one could guarantee it.
After eliminating wandering mutants, Haizaki finally found the research center. The Chiba Epidemic Countermeasures Division's laboratory wasn't engaged in the deepest research on the virus. Its main duty was to observe and respond to infections in Chiba, following instructions from Tokyo headquarters.
"Got it…"
Haizaki discovered vaccines stored in a freezer. The power had long been cut, so the vaccines had likely lost their activity. Not to mention, they were the very cause of the crystallization mutants. But Haizaki decided to take them anyway.
He picked up Vaccine Type 1. In his mind, Lin Lian's voice sounded: "Main Quest Three completed: Find the cause of crystallization mutants. Reward: 500 points, 50 experience."
"Feels like water."
Staring at the transparent liquid in the test tube, Haizaki muttered. Completely colorless.
Then, Haizaki removed the hard drives from the research computers.
…
Waiting in the car, Yukino listened to the intense gunfire from the building ahead, her heart filled with worry for Haizaki. Gunfire meant mutants. The intensity matched their numbers. And once the gunfire stopped, it could mean Haizaki had killed them… or something worse.
Outside, she could do nothing but worry. Several times, when gunfire ceased for long stretches, she wanted to contact Haizaki by radio. But she remembered his instructions: unless there was an emergency outside, she must not call him.
Anxious and uneasy, Yukino finally received Haizaki's call. He had found some data and vaccines. She breathed a sigh of relief.
"Sorry to keep you waiting…"
When Haizaki reached the SUV, Yukino was already outside.
"It's fine. Are you hurt…"
She was still worried, but suddenly realized asking about injuries might annoy him. She added quickly, "I just wanted to know if you were hurt, that's all…"
"I know. Don't worry."
Haizaki removed his goggles and gas mask. The last time he had admitted to Yukino that he might be infected, he had gained her trust.
She no longer suspected him of hiding infection.
"The crystallization virus spreads through the air. But no one knows how long exposure is needed before infection occurs…"
"Really!"
At first, Yukino felt fear at the thought of airborne transmission. But then she realized her fear changed nothing, and she calmed down.
"We must head north as soon as possible. I suspect the government's core research base and the most advanced data are there. Perhaps even a complete vaccine. But before that, we must go to Tokyo's Countermeasures Headquarters."
The earlier part was fine, but the last word made Yukino frown. "Complete vaccine?"
"Mm. The vaccine from Chiba is incomplete. It's the culprit behind the crystallization mutants."
"Wait, I remember vaccines require strict procedures, especially observation periods, according to Japan…"
Haizaki shook his head, cutting her off.
"The situation must have been too dire for the government to allow observation time. Or the virus deceived researchers, lying dormant, waiting for the right moment to erupt all at once."
Yukino frowned. Not dying in silence, but exploding in silence. Faced with death from the virus, people might go mad—one last frenzy before dying. That was the moment humanity was destroyed.
What would happen then? Yukino couldn't imagine.
"Let's go back. We'll live well."
There were still more than eight months left.
Main Quest One: survive 270 days.
Main Quest Two: find the cause of the virus outbreak…
Haizaki could only try his best to complete it. The Pacific's unknown technological ruins… just hearing it sounded dangerous.
Noticing Haizaki's frown, Yukino changed the subject lightly.
"So eager to return—just craving rabbit meat?"
At the mention of rabbit meat, Haizaki's anticipation grew.
"Yes. Food is one of my few joys. I'll let you taste my cooking. You're my companion. Good things should be shared with companions and friends."
"We… companions, friends."
Her tone was more self-questioning. Having never had friends, Yukino felt a mix of confusion and joy at the idea. She didn't know what the feeling was—part sour, part sweet, hard to describe.
"Yukinoshita-san wouldn't think I don't see you as a companion, right?"
"No…"
She immediately denied it.
"Just… a little unexpected."
She was surprised Haizaki considered her a partner.
"If your life's path doesn't change too much, in your original world you'll have friends worth keeping for life."
Once again, he hit the truth. She felt a little unhappy. But faced with Haizaki, who knew "her" future, Yukino could only feel helpless.
Now, though, she wanted to know who would become her friend. Surely not the boy Haizaki had mentioned…
"Hikigaya Hachiman?"
"No, a girl with brown dumpling-shaped hair. Probably because of her gentle and proactive personality, she was able to become friends with you—I mean with 'her.'"
"Yuigahama Yui…"
Searching her memory, Yukino finally placed her guess on Class F's Yuigahama Yui. There weren't many girls at Sōbu High with dumpling-shaped hair.
"Impressive."
As expected of Yukino—she could even guess that.
…
At sunset, Haizaki finished preparing the rabbit, removing its fur and innards.
"Alright, we'll roast it later."
Compared to stewing, Haizaki preferred roasting over fire. Crispy, fragrant, delicious.
"Mm, the fire is ready."
After several days of practice, Yukino had mastered the skill of making fire. The first time had taken her half an hour, but now, only three minutes were enough. This was probably her greatest improvement in survival skills.
"But are you sure you won't burn it?"
"Have some faith in me. If it burns and we can't eat it, we'll just… find another rabbit. Besides rabbits, I can look for wild boar, pheasant, or cattle…"
At least in the "Crystallization Apocalypse" world, there was no shortage of meat sources. The most common meats—pork and beef—still existed here. It was only a matter of whether they could find them.
"You prefer eating meat?"
"It's just that I hadn't eaten fresh meat for a long time, so now I want to eat more."
Recalling the days in the "Lonely Apocalypse," the hardest part had been seeing chickens but not being able to eat them. That had been painful—because Utaha was kind.
Thinking of that, Haizaki wondered what had happened to those chickens, ducks, and geese. Had they starved, or died of illness? He hoped they were still alive.
"Could you prepare some seasonings—roasted salt, pepper, and…"
"Alright…"
Yukino nodded and went to the kitchen. They had brought back plenty of seasonings. Expired, but still edible.
The fire burned brighter, its red glow driving away the night's chill and lighting up the villa. Compared to a flashlight, the firelight felt warmer, more reassuring.
"Crackle, pop…"
Haizaki added more firewood. Roasting a whole rabbit was a long process. Neither of them rushed. Haizaki occasionally rotated the rabbit so its surface was evenly exposed to the flames.
"Tomorrow we leave."
This was their last night in Chiba. Tomorrow they would set out for Tokyo.
"Mm…"
Yukino's gaze lingered on the rabbit, slowly turning golden as it roasted, the aroma spreading.
"Here…"
Haizaki reached for the seasonings with his left hand, but Yukino was quicker, handing him the roasted salt.
"Thanks…"
He sprinkled it evenly, ensuring every piece of meat was seasoned.
Ten seconds later, Haizaki set down the salt. Just as he reached for the pepper, Yukino handed it to him first.
"Thanks…"
But the girl shook her head. "No need to thank me. It's just a small thing."
Noticing the rabbit's belly meat turning golden, Haizaki pierced it with his knife. It seemed ready.
"Want to try it?"
Haizaki looked at her.
"Can I?"
Fixing the grill, Haizaki cut off a piece of belly meat with his knife, skewered it with bamboo, and handed it to her.
"Here, it's hot, be careful…"
Yukino took the piece of rabbit meat, still sizzling with oil, and blew gently.
"Fuu…"
Her cherry lips parted as she bit into it, letting out a soft whimper.
"I told you to be careful…"
Haizaki handed her a bottle of mineral water.
"Thanks…"
Yukino quickly drank, finally soothing her tongue.
"If it's not salty enough, I'll add more salt…"
"Mm…"
She sat quietly beside Haizaki, carefully eating the first piece of rabbit meat. Compared to the fine dishes she had eaten before, this tasted ordinary. But she felt a unique freshness in it. She didn't know how to describe it, but… it was good.
When the whole rabbit was done, Haizaki cut it up. But the girl's appetite seemed small.
"Is that enough?"
Haizaki had cut her a rabbit leg, but Yukino said half was enough.
"I really can't eat much."
She shook her head. Her usual diet was mostly vegetables, with small portions. A whole rabbit leg was too much for her.
"I won't force you. But you know, compared to before, your energy consumption now is much higher. If you don't eat more, you'll have no strength."
"Then two-thirds."
Tilting her head slightly, she finally decided.
"Alright…"
The knife fell, cutting the leg.
"If it's not salty enough, add more salt—or some chili sauce…"
Haizaki generously spread garlic chili paste, savoring the spicy, salty flavor. The roasted meat was delicious.
"You like spicy food?"
Seeing Haizaki's happy expression, Yukino grew curious about his tastes. She herself preferred light flavors. Heavy seasoning was only occasional.
"Usually just mild spice. Want to try?"
He offered her the garlic chili paste.
Yukino hesitated, neither refusing nor accepting immediately. Seeing this, Haizaki nudged the paste toward her.
She reluctantly accepted and tasted it.
"It's alright…"
She gave an honest answer.
"That's good. If we ever find Lao Gan Ma, you should try it. It's great."
"I'll try it if we get the chance."
This was probably what it felt like when friends recommended food. So this was the feeling.
For the first time, she experienced it—new, joyful. If only it weren't in this apocalyptic world. But if it weren't, she wouldn't have met him.
Watching Haizaki's profile, Yukino thought.
…